The Catholic branch church of St. Pankratius and Sebastian was first mentioned in a document in 1237. It is a three-bay, early Gothic hall church built on a hill and visible from afar. The west tower was built in the second half of the 13th century. The church rests on heavy round pillars, which probably originally had a cross shape and were modified in the Baroque period. The walls contain portals with blinds and pointed arched windows. The interior of the church has extensive Baroque furnishings, which were probably created at the end of the 17th century. Treasures include three altars from the 17th century and a rococo pulpit from the 18th century.
The church's massive tower also served as a defensive tower in the Middle Ages: approaching enemies could be recognized early and countermeasures could be taken. During the Thirty Years' War, the tower served as the last Bollwerk when, on May 12, 1646, Swedish troops destroyed half the town and slaughtered numerous citizens. As the story goes, the mayor of Warstein at the time jumped down from the high tower window onto the church forecourt. However, the Warstein fire department was able to prevent the head of the town from injuring himself by using a jumping cloth. Exactly 350 years later, in 1996, the defensive battle was re-enacted to great media effect.
The imposing walls are definitely worth a visit, and there is also a children's playground behind the church. Visits are possible on request.
(Photos: sabrinity.com, Lettmann)